We are a few days away from the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, the great golf tournament that will punctuate life at the Domaine de Bel Ombre between the 7th and the 10th of May. Here are some of the latest news in anticipation of this major event.

Get ready for an amazing show! As the first-ever golf tournament sanctioned by three of the main international tours – the European Tour, the Asian Tour and the Sunshine Tour, this golf event will not only make history, but also features the highest prize purse (1 million Euros!) to be paid out for any competition held in Mauritius. Besides, such exceptional sports events come with big names!

Among the ambassadors of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open are Hennie Otto (South-Africa), three-time winner of the European Tour; Thomas Levet (France) who won the Barclays Scottish Open, the Alstom Open and the Ryder Cup among others; and Max Orrin (England), champion of the 2014 National Bank of Oman Golf Classic.

Heritage Resorts is proudly emphasizing that this will be the first men’s professional golf tournament to have a lady as Tournament Director. Pauli van Meersbergen, a professional golfer of the Sunshine Tour, will be assisted by David Williams (European Tour) and Wanchai Meechai (Asian Tour) in the tournament management.

Among the top players are the winner of the BMW PGA Championship / DP World Tour Championship, Simon Khan (England) and winners of Race to Dubai tournaments with a prize fund over 1.5 million euros, Andrew Dodt (Australia), Thomas BJØRN (Denmark), Thorbjørn OLESEN (Denmark), Scott HEND (Australia) as well as Mikael Lundberg (Sweden).

Moreover, the event sponsors are pushing back the limits of creativity to reward the best players. Villas Valriche will award a one-million dollar villa to the first player who hits an eagle on the 17th whole (423 meter, PAR 3). Jaguar will take advantage of this tournament to unveil in all exclusivity its brand new Jaguar XE designed for the African market, and reserves a specialty prize to those who hit an Albatros during the Saturday and Sunday schedule of play: a Jaguar XE R-Sport.

Other sponsors of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open include Heineken, Vinta Bordeaux, Barons de Rothschild Champagne and Samsung.

A public-oriented event

The good news for golf fans is that the competition is open to the public! Heritage Golf Club will welcome visitors during the four days of tournament, with a daily rate or a four-day package. Those who wish to attend the game only need to head to the Domaine de Bel Ombre!

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open also makes for an ideal family outing. Alongside the golf tournament, lots of fun and activities will be on offer at the Place du Moulin on the last days of competition, including wall climbing, a mini zip line, laser tag, quad-biking, buggy rides and a golf simulator.

While children will enjoy the funfair, parents will be able to attend (on invitation only) an exclusive conference on sports and ethics, held by former French Minister of Education and philosopher, Luc Ferry.

Could there be anything better than a scrumptious dinner at Le Château de Bel Ombre to end the tournament in style? A wine-and-dine banquet will be organised at the Château on Sunday 10th May, where the President of Château Lascombes himself will present the fine wines that will accompany the Chef’s tastefully elaborated five-course menu.

Hosting this large-scale competition is the Heritage Golf Club, which was ranked among the top ten courses in Africa by CNN, among the top 100 in the world and as Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course at the 2014 World Golf Awards. It is part of the Domaine de Bel Ombre, which also features five-star Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort and Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, as well as Heritage The Villas.

Veranda Pointe aux Biches will be closed between June 1st and August 23rd, 2015 for major renovation, by the end of which it will reopen as a 4-star hotel!

Veranda Pointe aux Biches will be renovated in order to best meet clients’ expectations and upgrade to a 4-star hotel. The Bedrooms, reception area, restaurants, Spa and Kids’ Club will be refurbished for guests to enjoy a brand new contemporary tropical décor.

The different hotel areas will take on a sleek look, with natural materials such as wood, wicker, bamboo and ceramic used in furniture, completed with a gamut of blue shades to reflect the spirit of seaside peaceful holidays.

Interior architect, Paule de Romeuf, who will conduct the renovation, acquired her professional experiences in various architectural offices in Paris, most notably alongside world renowned architect Jean Nouvel, taking part in the one of his most famous projects, The Arab World Institute in Paris. She then created her own agency in Mauritius and Asia, with a strong experience in the hospitality sector in the Indian Ocean.

Veranda Pointe aux Biches: barefoot bliss!

The barefoot concept has made the hotel reputation… and brought pleasure to every guest! On their arrival, they are invited to take off their shoes to enter a world of total relaxation.

Veranda Pointe aux Biches’ setting is conducive to quiescence. Its Seven Colours Wellness Lounge is favourably located on the beach facing the sea – a unique treat in Mauritius – and the hotel has an exclusive adults-only wing including 30 rooms, one bar, a restaurant and a private pool.

Sand strips fringed with volcano rocks, the resort’s natural pool and amazing sunsets further contribute to the ideal scenery for laid-back seaside holidays.

Veranda Resorts’ distinctive offers complete this invitation to relaxation and pleasure. Water activities, cooking lessons, pop-up moments and the discovery of Mauritian culture and traditions add up to the authentic and convivial experience of the guests.

Veranda Pointe aux Biches’ renovation and new 4-star status is a step forward in the modernisation of Veranda Resorts’ brand identity, which was officially announced at ITB Berlin in February.